So many exciting projects are happening in the Legacy Casting offices right now.

In Shreveport, Kate is rocking it! The movie ‘The Last Word’ is continuing its filming while ‘Salem’ is just beginning to film in Shreveport. Are any of you working on either of those projects? We hope so!

In Dallas, Andrei and Robin are holding the fort down on ‘Dallas.’ We loved seeing tons of our awesome extras at Southfork this week.

This week we are giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what we do. Let’s just say it involves a lot of spreadsheets, Diet Coke, and phones to our ears. We love all of you and love going to work everyday. First sneak peek? Andrei at work in our Dallas office.

Hello awesome actors!! A friend of mine wrote a TV Pilot, and has asked me to help cast the speaking roles on it!! The creator’s intention is to shoot this pilot with the idea of selling it to a major network. It’s very low budget but the script is funny and well written. There is room for improve in the script as well. Being cast in this pilot does not necessarily mean that you’ll cast in that role if the show is purchased by a network, but it may go a long way to being a catalyst for future bookings with the producers, with me and possibly with this project as it goes forward.

Below is a casting notice with character descriptions etc… because it’s low budget we are not going to the agencies at this time, but if you have an agent and are submitting yourself it may be wise to tell them that you’re self submitting.

There will be an audition in Garland, TX next Sunday 10/20 and possibly a 2nd audition/call back on Sunday 10/27. Please see the casting notice below.

Kent is a high strung “by-the-book” type of guy, who doesn’t really like when things alter from “the plan”, especially at work. Staying calm in stressful situations is not in his nature. he’s worked at the Atrium for about 2 years now. He and Shannon have been best friends since age 11.

Shannon (25/F)

Shannon is a fairly laid back, borderline lazy, master of “appearing to work without actually contributing”. She’s the newest addition to the Atrium staff thanks to Kent, who got her the job. She’s the most level headed one in the group and calls everything out as she sees it, especially when it comes to fake or ignorant people. She and Kent tried to date for a month or two when they were 15, but she then quickly discovered her homosexuality, and they’ve been best friends ever since.

Pat (37/M)

Pat is an insecure, overcompensating 2nd-in-command who constantly makes up bull shit stories about his past escapades. He makes up for his insecurities by throwing his authority around and acting as if he’s the only one with half a brain in the entire building. However, he’d much rather be at work, around these misfits, than at home with his loathing wife and illegitimate 16-year-old son.

Bruce (52/M)

Bruce is a passive, fairly oblivious, yet melodramatic and clearly (but not openly) gay man. He runs the Atrium, but rarely has any real influence over his staff. He has some comfort in his sexual orientation while up at work, but is very tight lipped about his preferences outside of this place. He tries his best to keep clear of the outrageous adventures of his quirky staff, but somehow always gets dragged into the middle of them.

Dick (55/M)

Dick is a salty, offensive and most of the time foggy, ex roadie who still relishes the glory days of arena rock touring. With a crude mind, and no filter, his redemptive qualities still show through with certain co-workers (Kent and Shannon). He’s incredibly ingenuitive and loves his job as lighting technician, which is the only redeeming quality about working at theAtrium, in his mind.

SUPPORTING

Alex/Rico (38/F, 32/M)

A buddy cop duo, Alex and Rico play off each other as the wild-card and the muscle. With their absurd way of handling situations, it’s always great to have them around to intimidate and confuse anyone who might try and pull a fast one on the building or it’s staff.

Holmer/Jolene (58/M, 55/F)

Holmer and Jolene Hicomb are definitely from the outlying country. Flannel cutoff shirts and bathrobes as their main wardrobe attire, we quickly discover their questionable morals, and the Alpha-female dynamic of their marriage.

Lois (39/F)

Lois is the most smoking hot almost-40-year-old woman you’ve ever seen. She’s the perfect wife for any man, which is why it’s shocking and confusing that she is married to Bruce.

Dead Woman (84/F)

Holmer Hicomb’s mother was a traditional country grandmother, complete with the full blown “Sunday Best” outfit for her 13th granddaughters wedding. A heart attack claimed her too soon, leaving her in an unfortunately compromising final position in life.

Project:

theAtrium

Independently Produced Half-Hour Comedy PilotShoot Dates:

November 17th-22nd – Overnight Days (6pm-6am)

Not all cast needed all days.Rate:

Low/No Pay. We will arrange compensation on a per-role basis.

Non-Union Show

At least 1 Meal per day will be provided

Pilot intended to sell series pitch to network for full season pickup.

Location:

Garland, TX. All talent is local hire.Casting Directors:

Andrei Constantinescu and Ian McNenyTo Be Considered:

Please send an email toscweedis.ian@gmail.com and/or extras@legacycasting.com with The Atrium and desired role in the subject line. Include a recent headshot, resume, role you are applying for and contact information. Any reel or example of previous work should be included if available.Please share with others that may be interested or repost, but do not alter the content.

If you are represented talent, please have your agent submit you.Thank you and good luck.

I get calls and emails ALL THE TIME, asking “please can I get a ‘featured’ role on the project you’re casting for.” I never know how to answer that because I am not in charge of where you get placed on set, or where the cameras get placed. Nor do I do the editing. So booking you as a background actor even a “Featured Extra” DOES NOT EVER GUARANTEE that you’ll be in the final product of the film, TV Show or Commercial we’re casting for. You do not need to keep asking if you’ll be featured. Below is an idea of what we go through to select the so called “featured extras” and how you can put your best foot forward to possibly be considered.

Sometimes when working on a particular Film or TV Show, we’re asked by directors to submit photos of “specialty” or “featured” background actors, that may be in front of camera or may be interacting with one of the lead actors. People that are shown to the director for consideration are called “picture picks”. When we’re asked to do this, we typically create a www.mycastingfile.com character breakdown or open call and also post something on Facebook giving specific dates of what’s needed. Sometimes we’ll even call and email you to ask for different photos etc… (We usually use these multiple platforms because film and tv is a hurry up medium, and people want to see their picture picks NOW!) But we also need to make sure that our background actors are actually available on the days that the scene is supposed to film before we can submit them. (There is nothing worse than showing a great photo of a great person to the director, having that director chose them and then having that person tell you they are not actually available for that date! Then you have to go back to the director and tell him/her “I’m sorry that person isn’t available…” and it makes you look bad, ticks the director off and generally wastes everyone’s time…)

Before picking our picture picks we meet with the director and he/she tells us what he’s looking for, and then we seek it out in our database. When we ask you for different photos, it’s because we know a different look may sell you better to the director. We’ve worked with some of you for 6 years or more and have seen you in a VARIETY of different roles. These directors may not have ever seen you before and are only going by the 1 or 2 photos you’ve sent us. If we’re looking to book a “Body Guard” spot we may ask you to send a photo of yourself looking more imposing. Maybe wearing a tank top instead of a business suit. Similarly if we’re looking for a nurse we may not need to show a photo of you in a cocktail dress. It doesn’t sell the image we’re looking for. So we may ask you to take a new photo of yourself in scrubs and send it to us.

After the pictures have been looked through and the director makes his choices, someone from my department will reach out to you to tell you you’re booked, congratulations! The bummer is that for every 1 or 2 people that book the role there are 20+ people that didn’t book and are disappointed. I’m always sad that people are disappointed but keep plugging away at it and your day will come too! The best way to continue to be considered for “Featured” background roles is to A) have a good headshot that I can show to the director (if your headshot isn’t good I likely won’t show it.) B) Be willing to work as a background actor even though it’s not a “Featured” role. When I see people come to set and have a great attitude, and do it over and over again regardless if they’re seen or not, it makes a HUGE difference to me. It makes me want to cast them more often and continue to give them further opportunities.
So please realize that there are PLENTY of times on a set in which you can be a “Featured Extra” and never be seen at all on TV. There are other times when you are seen really well on a tv show or movie and you weren’t picture picked at all. You were cast by us the casting company who knew you’d have a great look for the scene and knew you were a reliable background actor! If you have any questions about this or anything else please feel free to email us at extras@legacycasting.com.

Welcome to “Olympus Has Fallen,” a Millennium Studios movie. Thank you for being a part of this project! We think you will be proud of the final result. We want you to have fun and enjoy this experience! However, it will require hard work and cooperation from you. Please read the following IMPORTANT information very carefully, even if you have worked as a background actor many times before!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE WITH YOU IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST DAY ON “OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN!” If you have previously worked on THIS show, you do not need to bring it.

ALL Secret Service, Police and Gate Guards must come clean shaven.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE: This will be a very physically demanding day for you. If you feel like you are not ready for a physically demanding day, please let us know so we can reschedule you for a different day. You will be outside in the heat, running, sweating, and “escaping from terrorists and gunfire.” It will be a fun day as well but we just want to make sure you are prepared for the exertion. Please wear sunscreen and solid, comfortable shoes.

Also, please keep SAFETY at the forefront of your mind. If something doesn’t feel safe or look safe, STOP AND SPEAK UP!! Safety is the most important thing!!!! Please also listen carefully to crew instructions since they have been briefed on how to operate SAFELY. They have important instructions, designed to keep you safe on set. If you have any questions about this, please ask us ahead of time.

TIME: FINAL CALL TIME 7:30 AM

LOCATION/PARKING: 2000 Centurytel Blvd. Bossier City, LA 71111 (Century Link Center) Follow the signs to extras parking. Please park in the parking lot, go to the left/front side of the building, through the fence where you will see catering. There is a small ramp here. Please go up the ramp into the building to get signed in. After you are signed in, you are welcome to eat breakfast off the food line (but not off of the truck.)

WARDROBE:

SECRET SERVICE: Your clothes should be VERY corporate looking. Please make sure they are IRONED/PRESSED, and well coordinated. Dark suits, dress shirts, dark ties, somber colors are the most appropriate. If you are booked for Secret Service, you MUST have a dark suit jacket to work or wardrobe may send you home! You MUST have closed toed shoes. No open toed shoes will be allowed on set! Wardrobe has specifically said that they are running low on suits so BRING A SUIT or BLAZER or SPORTS COAT or other corporate looking outfit. We cannot stress enough that wardrobe really needs you to bring a suit with you, not depend on wardrobe, unless you have been prefit for a suit that you wear each time you are on set.

COMMANDOS: If you are new, please bring “tourist” clothing, but no reds or greens. You must wear closed toed shoes. If you are returning, please bring what you have worn previously.

MEN HAIR: Please be as clean cut and clean shaven as possible. No visible piercings or tattoos.
WHAT TO BRING: Stay cool and hydrated on set! Personal fans, water bottles, etc are all encouraged! Please wear COMFORTABLE shoes since you will be standing and running a lot! You will be outdoors the entire day. Even extras holding is outdoors so please plan accordingly. What do you need to bring with you to prevent heat exhaustion/dehydration? Remember to bring sunscreen!

PLEASE BRING A PHOTO COPY OF YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE OR PASSPORT!

When you get to set you will check in with a member of our staff or the PA on set. Our Office Line/Emergency phone number is 318-734-1088.

What to bring: Please wear your favorite wardrobe option (that fit the guidelines for your role) and bring 3-5 potential wardrobe options for the wardrobe department to choose from. Please come “hair and makeup” ready. The hair and makeup department will check you and make sure you fit the scene but they are not responsible for getting you all made up!

Please also bring something to keep busy while you are waiting to film . . . book, ipod, magazine, cards, etc. Do not bring anything that you would be upset if it was lost or stolen! The production is not responsible for lost or stolen property. It is also wise to bring snacks with you to eat throughout the day. Craft services will provide snacks in the extras holding area but it is good to have snacks you know you love. Lunch will be provided six hours after the crew has to be on set. Do NOT bring guests! Anyone that is not on a payroll voucher will not be allowed to stay. If you do not have a current drivers license, please bring a voter’s registration card, State ID, Active Military ID or a Passport.

Be On Time: Be on time!!! It is best to be early, better to be on time, and BAD to be late! Your “Call Time” is the time that you are due to arrive on set, not pulling in the parking lot, or leaving your house. We will update your call time as soon as it is available! Often we will not know the time until late the evening before the shoot because we have to wait for the production to wrap.

Arriving and Getting Paid: Park and look for the “Extras Holding Area.” You must report to the “Extras Holding Area” to sign in and to receive a “Pay Voucher.” Do not lose this voucher, it is the key to being paid! Make sure you have your ACTUAL Driver’s License OR your passport with you as well as a photocopy of your document. The photocopy will be collected with your voucher and given to the accounting department. If you do not have a photocopy and actual document, you will not be able to work. Please also make sure you know your Social Security number. Someone from the wardrobe or props department may take your voucher in exchange for a costume or prop and will return your voucher to you when you return your item. At the end of the day, you will sign out and turn your voucher in to a member of the AD team (Assistant Directors). Always keep your copy of the voucher receipt! It usually takes 3-5 weeks to receive your check. The payroll company listed on the voucher is your employer on record for the project/s worked! *LEGACY CASTING IS NOT YOUR EMPLOYER!!* All payroll inquiries should be made to the number listed on your voucher.

Once on Set: Do not bring your camera, laptop, ipad on set. Please turn your cell phone OFF whenever you are going on set. Once on set, the ADs (Assistant Directors) and AD PAs (Assistant Director Production Assistants) will let you know what you are supposed to do in a scene. It is very important to be quiet at all times and pay attention to their instructions. On set, everyone has a specific job to do. Please ask the AD PAs if you do not know what to do . . . do not ask wardrobe, cameramen, grips, etc. The ADs need to know where you are at all times. If you need to leave the set for any reason, please check with them first. The ADs and AD PAs are your point of contact while at work.

Actors are your Co-Workers: Please DO NOT ask the actors for autographs or engage them in conversation. Actors are working hard to be “in the zone.” They are there to do a job, just like you are.

Hurry Up and Wait: In this business, everything is “hurry up and wait.” There may be long periods of time when it seems as though nothing is happening. However, actors may be rehearsing lines, the crew may be lighting the set, etc. Be patient! You are getting paid even when seemingly nothing is happening! The hours can be long and the weather can be trying. When you agree to be an extra, WE NEED YOU ALL DAY LONG! Once you are “established” in a scene, we need you to remain on set until we complete the shooting of that scene. If for any reason you cannot spend twelve or more hours with us, please let us know before the day of shooting.

At Wrap: Return your wardrobe and/or props and bring your voucher to the extras holding area to sign out. In order to be paid, you must not leave with your voucher. A member of the production staff will approve your voucher and give you a receipt. Check your voucher and make sure it shows the correct number of hours worked. If you parked your car or drove your car in a scene, there is an additional “bump” on your paycheck for this. Check to make sure you were given the bump, if applicable. Save this receipt until your paycheck arrives.

Emergencies: Emergencies happen. We understand. If you are lost or sick, please call our office at 318-734-1088. If you do not show up and do not let us know in advance, you will be considered a “no show” and marked as such in our database which will impact your future bookings.

PR: We are the PR for this show! Please remember this when you post on facebook, twitter, or talk to your friends and family! In our tech savvy world, everything you say and post can be used against you. Choose wisely what to post! If you post a picture or comment on your day on set, the production could ask that you are not invited back. Be wise!

Friday the 13th, 2012,

Usually people say Friday the 13th is an unlucky day; well … not for my husband and myself. We were honored to be chosen to work as extras with Legacy on a movie filming in Shreveport LA area. Friday the 13th will never have a negative meaning for us again. The crew, staff, etc. were top notch. Rachel, Brooke, Heather and the entire staff and crew were unbelievable. The food was awesome as was the organization and hard work by everyone involved. It was like an orchestra in motion. We are both retired and this is a great avenue for us to do something fun together and get paid while doing it. We look forward to working with Legacy again in the near future; hopefully on the set of “Dallas” since we are so close to “Southfork.” We loved our first experience and pray it won’t be our last working with this totally professional organization/company.

Recently we have been doing a LOT of work in our database and have also been learning how to use MyCastingFile. Some of you really have great photos in the database . . . but then there are some of you that the photos don’t do you justice, so we have compiled this list, in David Letterman style, of “The Top 5 Photos to NOT Submit to a Casting Company.”

1. Photos with a hat on, or sunglasses, or a MASK — we can’t see your hair color or length. If we need a bald guy, how do we know if that is you? If we need someone with lots of hair, how do we know that’s you? Um, really, it’s called a headshot for a reason! LOL!!!!

2. Submitting only a photo of your head. A “headshot” is a great start but it’s also REALLY helpful to send in a full body shot so we can see your body type/build. Then we know if we can book you as a bodybuilder, a champion food eater, an anorexic mother, whatever!! We need all kinds!

3. Photos with lots of people in the picture. How do we know which one is you?

4. Sending in two photos in which you look TOTALLY different. How do we know which is your current look? We don’t want to know what you looked like five years ago!!!

5. The photo from your awesome trip to the Pyramids — so we can’t actually see you because you are so tiny in the picture.

So, what should you submit? Great photos are of just you, are current, are well lit and show your face and body. (It’s best to submit one photo from your chest up and one photo of your whole body.) Photos should also be in color. Black and white photos are artistically beautiful but it is hard to tell your hair color, eye color, skin tone, etc. And remember, photos do NOT need to be professional!!!

The Iceman filmed in Shreveport, LA in December 2011-January 2012. It is a true story of The Iceman murders based on the life of a notorious mafia hitman assassin. Since it was a period film, our extras were dressed in awesome costumes and got to drive period cars. It was challenging since it filmed over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays which doesn’t usually happen in the film world but, as always, our extras were great sports, even enduring extreme cold temperatures.